What images come to mind when you think about career growth or progress? For many, it’s the idea of climbing a ladder or scaling a mountain—a steady ascent toward more pay, higher titles, and greater authority. But what if that vision doesn’t resonate with you? What if you want progress, but your definition of success doesn’t involve reaching the “top”? What might career growth look like then?
Early in my career, I was given the opportunity to build a department from scratch. It was rewarding but exhausting. When the department grew and a manager position opened, people assumed I’d be the obvious choice. However, I hesitated. The idea of making an impact on a larger scale was tempting, but the thought of the added stress and workload made me pause.
A mentor introduced me to the concept of “ambition ambivalence.” It struck a chord with me immediately. Like many millennials, I crave purpose and meaning in my work. I have ambition—I want to make a difference—but I also want a balanced life. I want to prioritize my health, relationships, hobbies like gardening, and community involvement. Above all, I don’t want to feel like I’m burning out in pursuit of success. Ambition ambivalence captured the push and pull I was experiencing.
In the end, I did take the manager role because I couldn’t bear the thought of someone else steering what I had built. Over the next eight years, I climbed the traditional career ladder, moving from managing seven people to leading three departments as a director. My career advanced, but I felt the weight of leadership in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Being responsible for not just the work but the well-being of an entire team—emotionally, mentally, and psychologically—was overwhelming. I loved my work, but it was too much, especially with the added responsibilities of being a parent. I needed another way forward.
I still had ambition. I still wanted to grow, to expand my impact, to work on challenging and exciting projects. But I knew my definition of success had to evolve. I wanted to pursue career growth on my own terms—without sacrificing my well-being or creativity.
That realization led me down a different path. I moved into a senior individual contributor role, where I could work on high-impact projects and collaborate closely with senior leaders, without the heavy responsibility of managing a team. I found new ways to make a difference and grow professionally—by influencing decisions and guiding others, rather than chasing a title. I also shifted to working part-time, leaving more space for me to pursue my entrepreneurial interests without giving up the opportunities to collaborate regularly with a team and the security of a steady pay cheque.
As a multipassionate person, the idea of a portfolio career has always appealed to me. Throughout my life, I’ve always struggled to choose just one thing. I’m curious, always learning, and drawn to many different fields. The concept of a portfolio career—where you can do many different things, grow in multiple directions, and constantly develop new skills—feels right for me. It allows me to follow my interests and stay engaged while building a strong foundation for a satisfying, resilient career.
Ultimately, career growth doesn’t have to look like climbing a ladder or reaching the top of a mountain. It can be about building a portfolio of experiences, skills, and interests that align with your evolving definition of success. And as long as you’re moving toward what’s truly important to you, that’s progress.
Your Turn: Define Your Own Success
If the idea of a traditional career path doesn’t align with your goals or values, it’s time to rethink what growth and progress look like for you. What does success truly mean for you? How can you shape a career that supports not just your professional ambitions but your whole life?
I can help you navigate these questions. Let’s work together to uncover your unique path and build a career that allows you to thrive. Book a coaching session today, and let’s get started on redefining what success looks like for you. Whether you’re looking to transition, expand your skillset, or explore a portfolio career, I’m here to help you chart a path forward that’s truly your own.